It has been a while since we were married in 1053. I feel now, in 1087, I am nearing death. I have no regrets, however. I remember when I became Duke of Normandy in 1047. It was one of my proudest moments. My favorite part in my life was when I became King of England. I couldn’t let the weak man Harold to rule England. I had the pope’s support, and in the Battle of Hastings on October 14, 1066. It further proved that the man was much too weak to be the king. My favorite moment was when I was crowned king on Christmas Day. I wouldn’t let anyone doubt my leadership. I crushed every revolt against me to show my power. In England, I spread feudal method of landholding that wasn’t very common before me in England. All of the powerful people in the government were loyal to me, and if they didn’t do what I wanted, I would remove them. My best friend in my kingdom was Lanfranc, my most trusted adviser and agent. I controlled the church in my kingdom, and even Pope Gregory VII respected and feared me. As you remember, in 1085, I conducted a survey of my kingdom recording everything and everyone in it. It is called The Domesday Book, and it created an efficient system of tax collection. Now, in Rouen, France in September 1087, I feel as though the kingdom will no longer be mine. I wish you the best.
Your Husband, King William I
Dear Matilda,
It has been a while since we were married in 1053. I feel now, in 1087, I am nearing death. I have no regrets, however. I remember when I became Duke of Normandy in 1047. It was one of my proudest moments. My favorite part in my life was when I became King of England. I couldn’t let the weak man Harold to rule England. I had the pope’s support, and in the Battle of Hastings on October 14, 1066. It further proved that the man was much too weak to be the king. My favorite moment was when I was crowned king on Christmas Day. I wouldn’t let anyone doubt my leadership. I crushed every revolt against me to show my power. In England, I spread feudal method of landholding that wasn’t very common before me in England. All of the powerful people in the government were loyal to me, and if they didn’t do what I wanted, I would remove them. My best friend in my kingdom was Lanfranc, my most trusted adviser and agent. I controlled the church in my kingdom, and even Pope Gregory VII respected and feared me. As you remember, in 1085, I conducted a survey of my kingdom recording everything and everyone in it. It is called The Domesday Book, and it created an efficient system of tax collection. Now, in Rouen, France in September 1087, I feel as though the kingdom will no longer be mine. I wish you the best.
Your Husband,
King William I